The state of Massachusetts has consistently backed Harvard University in its ongoing legal battles with the Trump administration. Since President Donald Trump took office in January, Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell has initiated or joined 35 lawsuits and filed several supporting legal briefs against his administration. Many of these legal challenges directly concern higher education and research policy, which are vital to Massachusetts’ economy.
Universities and research institutions across Massachusetts are significant economic drivers, supporting approximately 320,000 jobs and generating nearly $70 billion in annual economic activity. The state leads the nation in federal research funding per capita, with its universities collectively receiving over $2 billion in federal support each year.
Attorney General Campbell has actively fought against federal actions that could jeopardize this crucial funding. This includes opposing restrictions on diversity-related grants and limitations on reimbursements for research expenses not tied to specific projects. Her office has also filed briefs supporting Harvard in both of its lawsuits challenging the administration’s attempts to exert pressure on the university.
Disputes Over Federal Research Funding
The legal conflicts began shortly after the new administration took office. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) initially imposed a 15 percent cap on indirect research costs, which cover essential expenses like facilities and administrative support. Massachusetts, alongside 21 other states, filed a lawsuit to block this change. A federal judge subsequently ruled the cap unlawful, leading to its permanent withdrawal.
Following this, the National Science Foundation (NSF) enacted a similar funding limit and halted support for projects designed to boost participation among underrepresented groups in science and engineering. Massachusetts again joined other states to challenge this decision, and the case remains ongoing.
When the administration moved to cut funding for research focusing on race, gender, health disparities, and vaccines, Massachusetts once more joined a multi-state lawsuit. Although a lower court initially ordered the restoration of nearly $800 million in grants, the Supreme Court later allowed the cuts to proceed.
Economic Interests and Legal Alignment
Harvard University is not only one of Massachusetts’ largest employers but also a substantial contributor to the state’s economy. Its federal research funding is critical for industries such as biotechnology and healthcare, which heavily rely on university collaborations. State officials view any cuts to federal funding as a direct threat to this vital economic structure.
Attorney General Campbell’s legal positions are clearly aligned with these state economic interests. For instance, when Harvard sued over the federal government’s decision to freeze more than $2 billion in research funds, Massachusetts spearheaded a coalition of 20 states in filing an amicus brief to support the university. A federal judge later determined that this freeze violated constitutional protections, leading to the release of most of the withheld payments.
Support for International Scholars and Academic Freedom
Massachusetts has also taken a stand against federal actions impacting international students and researchers. When the administration sought to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, the state filed an amicus brief in support. International students significantly bolster Massachusetts’ economy, contributing approximately $3.9 billion annually, with Harvard students alone contributing $380 million and supporting nearly 4,000 jobs.
Furthermore, Campbell’s office provided support to Harvard researcher Kseniia Petrova, who was detained in Louisiana on charges related to undeclared biological materials. She has since been released from detention and is currently awaiting trial.
In another notable case, Massachusetts joined 19 other states in a brief supporting university professors, including those from Harvard, who challenged government actions against international academics expressing political views. A federal judge recently ruled that these government actions infringed upon free speech protections.
Broader Implications
The strong alliance between Massachusetts and Harvard underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to shielding its higher education and research foundation from federal interference. The outcomes of these various legal battles have profound financial and policy implications for both Harvard and the state’s wider economy. Attorney General Campbell’s proactive stance exemplifies a coordinated strategy to protect the research institutions that are fundamental to Massachusetts’ progress and development.